State Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell) introduced a plan aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in public assistance programs administered by the state.

Currently, many of these programs rely on self-attestation, allowing applicants to declare their eligibility without providing documentation upfront. While this system may seem convenient, it creates opportunities for misuse and makes it more difficult to identify fraudulent claims. Critics of reform note that errors can be caught later through audits or back-end reviews, but these after-the-fact corrections are often costly and inefficient.

House Bill 5145 takes a proactive approach, requiring applicants to submit proof of identity, income, and residency before benefits are approved. This ensures that assistance goes to those who truly qualify and restores integrity and public trust in Michigan’s programs.

“Families across Michigan deserve to know their tax dollars are being used responsibly,” said Woolford. “This bill makes sure help gets to the people who really need it, while closing loopholes that allow fraud and waste. It’s about fairness, accountability, and protecting both taxpayers and those counting on state assistance.”